Primary objective: Integrate playmakers such as running back Robert Turbin and receivers Stanley Morrison and Matt Austin, who missed last season due to injury, into the offense while breaking in a new quarterback.

At the controls: JC transfer Adam Kennedy and freshman Chuckie Keeton have been locked in a tight competition to replace three-year starting quarterback Diondre Borel.

Leading the charge: RB Robert Turbin returns after missing 2010 with an ACL injury. He ran for 1,296 yards in 2009.

Key to success: Holding their ground at the line of scrimmage has been an issue for the Aggies over the years. Line play will be especially critical without the elusive Borel in the backfield.

DEFENSE

Returning starters: Six

Primary objective: Funnel ballcarriers to All-WAC linebacker Bobby Wagner, who led the league with 133 tackles.

At the controls: Head coach Gary Andersen is converting the Aggies from a 4-3 base to a 3-4.

Leading the charge: DE Levi Koskan figures to be a key if he’s fully recovered from a knee injury.

Key to success: Filling the voids at cornerback with the losses of Curtis Marsh, a third-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, and Chris Randle.

NOTABLE

>> Kerwynn Williams set a WAC record with 1,444 kickoff return yards last season, averaging 27.2 per return.
>> USU will break in a new kicker with the departure of leading scorer Peter Caldwell.
>> The Aggies open Sept. 3 against reigning BCS champion Auburn.

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